Courage is standing up, stepping in, and speaking out for what’s right.

Courage is continuously accessing our core commitments, taking actions to intervene in problem situations, and changing lives; first for others, then for ourselves.

Courage is not a place to get to — it’s a way of being. When we are going past our fears and shame to take actions for others in moments of need and for what is right, we are being courageous.

Courage is an in-the-moment phenomenon. We have momentary choices — between stimulus and response — that will determine how we react to a situation. These moments can also carry over time and require us to continue taking actions to really make the difference that needs to be made.

Courage is needed in situations of sexual harassment/abuse, bullying (on the playground and in the workplace), violence, corruption, cheating, fraud, hazing, discrimination, and other inappropriate, unhealthy, or abusive behaviors.

If we walk away, stay silent, or laugh along to something we know is a problem, then we are being a passive bystander and turning our back on our own leadership.

The impact of inaction is that way too many people are being mistreated, abused, violated, and even killed, while others look on and do nothing. Or, don’t do enough.

The personal impact of inaction is shame and regret, accompanied by low self-esteem and confidence. The impact on business is low morale, lack of productivity, attrition/turnover, tarnished public image, possible legal costs, and simply unhappy people.

Imagine a world where we are free to take the actions we want to take to make the difference we want to make.

Imagine a world where we all feel safe, protected, and honored for who we are.

Imagine a world where more people are demonstrating courageous leadership.

If we stand up, step in, and speak out for what’s right, then we are able to show courageous leadership and make this difference to create a whole, new world free from shame and regret.

We can move past our pain and give each other permission to go from passive to powerful in life.